Compare the best CBD for Allergies in 2022

How CBD Helps With Allergies

Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the active substances in cannabis. While CBD is a crucial component of medical marijuana, it comes from a hemp plant or is manufactured in a laboratory⁽¹⁾. 

CBD is a phytocannabinoid (plant-based cannabinoid) with anti-inflammatory properties that may help alleviate allergy symptoms⁽²⁾. 

Researchers suggest that cannabidiol may help with allergies by influencing the body’s immune system response and interacting with the endocannabinoid system (ECS)⁽³⁾.     

A 2016 study published online in Annals of Dermatology showed that CBD may help reduce the amount of histamine produced in an allergic reaction⁽⁴⁾.  

CBD works on one of the pathways of the ECS that produces histamine, which is released following mast cell activation. The reaction happens when mast cells release a disproportionate amount of chemicals in your body, causing allergy symptoms⁽⁵⁾. 

Allergies appear when your immune system responds to a foreign substance, such as pet dander, bee venom, pollen, hives, or food products that do not cause a reaction in people⁽⁶⁾. 

Your immune system brings out antibodies that identify a specific allergen as harmful, even though it is not. Its reaction to an allergen can inflame your skin, airways, sinuses, or digestive system⁽⁷⁾.   

Most allergy sufferers may use antihistamines and other over-the-counter allergy medications when experiencing seasonal allergies. However, some people may also use CBD as an alternative to these traditional treatments. 

During the 39th meeting of the WHO’s Expert Committee on Drug Dependence, the assembly indicated that CBD may not have abuse or dependence potential in humans⁽⁸⁾. 

A 2014 animal study on α-Pinene used a rat model of allergic rhinitis⁽⁹⁾. Alpha-pinene, less dense than water⁽¹⁰⁾, is a terpene commonly found in full-spectrum CBD oil.

The experiment showed that a terpene found in cannabis suggested that mice pre-treated with α-Pinene had fewer allergy symptoms⁽¹¹⁾. Terpenes are compounds that form the principal constituent of essential oils from plants⁽¹²⁾. 

Another animal study from the European Journal of Pharmacology observed the effects of CBD on allergic asthma. The researchers stated that the rats that received CBD treatment had reduced symptoms of airway inflammation⁽¹³⁾. 

In 2018, research published in the Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics suggested CBD’s possible benefit on contact dermatitis due to the compound’s anti-inflammatory effects⁽¹⁴⁾.  

However, more human studies are necessary to support cannabidiol’s benefits on allergies. 

Benefits of Using CBD for Allergies

A study published in Biochemical Journal in 2005 noted that CBD has immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory properties, acting like a natural antihistamine⁽¹⁵⁾.

CBD for Inflammation 

Inflammation is a common allergy symptom. Mild allergic reactions can often be treated with over-the-counter (OTC) medications at home. Severe allergic reactions require emergency medical care.

CBD, a non-psychoactive compound from cannabis, exerts numerous beneficial pharmacological effects, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties⁽¹⁶⁾.    

The researchers of a 2020 study posted on the Antioxidant (Basel) extensively examined the pharmacology and chemistry of CBD. They looked at its molecular targets, including cannabinoid receptors and other endocannabinoid system components with which it interacts⁽¹⁷⁾. 

In the study, the authors reviewed the main biological effects of CBD. They examined its synthetic derivatives, focusing on the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and cellular properties of CBD⁽¹⁸⁾.    

The researchers also looked at a peer-review published in Molecules that analyzed the molecular aspects of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) as antioxidants. 

Results showed that THC has a significantly higher antioxidant potential than CBD⁽¹⁹⁾. 

Still, an analysis of CBD antioxidant activity indicated that it may help regulate the oxidation-reduction status (redox) state. Cannabidiol may affect the redox balance by modifying the activity of antioxidants and oxidants⁽²⁰⁾.  

Oxidative modification is essential in regulating pathological conditions characterized by inflammation and redox imbalances, such as inflammatory diseases, cancer, and neurodegenerative illnesses⁽²¹⁾. 

An imbalance between antioxidants and oxidants results in oxidative stress due to a disproportion of antioxidants and free radicals in the body⁽²²⁾. 

According to the researchers, CBD may interrupt free radical chain reactions, capture free radicals, or transform them into less active forms⁽²³⁾.  

Due to CBD’s potential to modify redox imbalance, many research results considered the possibility of using CBD to treat different illnesses, such as diabetes, cancer, and epilepsy⁽²⁴⁾.   

However, these results came from animal studies. More research is needed to verify if chemical compounds like CBD produce the same effect in humans. 

CBD for the Immune System

Allergies are your immune system’s response to a substance. Your immune responses can be mild, such as coughing, sneezing, having a runny nose, or experiencing watery eyes⁽²⁵⁾. 

A March 2020 review supported the concept that CBD is immune-suppressive and anti-inflammatory⁽²⁶⁾. However, these observations also demonstrated the critical need to continue research on this chemical compound. 

Other Potential Benefits of CBD 

CBD for Chronic Pain

Allergic reactions may cause inflammation, which may result in joint and muscle aches. 

A 2015 study suggested that CBD may help increase the levels of anandamide in the body, a compound that has been associated with reducing pain perception⁽²⁷⁾. However, further studies are needed to substantiate these findings. 

CBD for Anxiety

Anxiety disorders may be linked to allergies, according to a study published in the Journal of Personalized Medicine⁽²⁸⁾.

Meanwhile, CBD has been shown to help reduce anxiety behaviors relevant to numerous disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and seasonal affective disorder (SAD)⁽²⁹⁾. 

Anxiety may also cause temporary spikes in blood pressure⁽³⁰⁾. 

How Long Does CBD Take to Help With Allergies?

Inhaling CBD using vape pens is the fastest way to benefit from the effects of CBD⁽³¹⁾. However, vaping may irritate the lungs⁽³²⁾.

Meanwhile, the second quickest method to absorb CBD is through sublingual administration. Taking CBD under the tongue ensures prompt delivery of the compound into the system⁽³³⁾. 

Droppers are used to dispense CBD oil straight into your mouth. It often takes about 15 to 30 minutes for CBD to take effect⁽³⁴⁾.   

On the other hand, CBD edibles may take longer to work, with some users feeling its effects 30 minutes or more after intake⁽³⁵⁾.  

If you want to try CBD edibles, they are available in capsules, gummies, and other CBD-infused food, such as baked goods and chocolates. 

You may also consider topical CBD products like lotions for skin health. However, the effect of CBD in topicals may take a while.

CBD balms usually contain extracts mixed into fat, such as beeswax or coconut oil. Topicals are not absorbed into the whole body compared to other forms⁽³⁶⁾. 

However, that could make them safer, considering how little is known about the long-term safety of CBD⁽³⁷⁾.   

Recommended CBD Dosage for Allergies 

CBD is not yet approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a medication. Therefore, there are no official dosage guidelines and established recommendations for CBD. The general rule is to start with a low dosage and potency.  

If you want to try CBD products like CBD oil for allergies, it is highly advisable to speak with a doctor experienced in cannabis use for advice on CBD dosing. 

Usage Guide When Taking CBD for Allergies

Choosing high-quality CBD products may help ensure overall wellness and optimal effectiveness.  When selecting the best CBD oil for your allergies, here are some things you need to consider:

1. Always check the ingredient list of the CBD product. If possible, choose non-genetically modified (non-GMO) ingredients or go for organic types.
2. Support brands that are transparent about their farming practices. Check if their website includes information about testing methods and CBD extraction.
3. Ensure that your CBD products come with lab test results from third-party laboratories and certificates of analysis (COAs). 

Note that CBD products must be tested to determine their potency and the presence of harmful contaminants, such as residual solvents and pesticides. 

How Long Will CBD Help With Allergies? 

Different ingestion methods have varying rates of bioavailability or the extent a substance becomes available to its intended biological destination⁽³⁸⁾. 

You may feel the effect of topical CBD products like lotions, creams, and balms for two to four hours⁽³⁹⁾. 

A study published in Frontiers in Pharmacology examined the discrepancy in CBD’s absorption, metabolism, and absorption into the body⁽⁴⁰⁾. Understanding CBD bioavailability and the half-life is crucial to future research.

Half-life is the time needed for half of the quantity of a substance to undergo a process.

The benefits of using transdermal CBD gel and topical creams have been promising in animal studies. However, more data from different formulations are necessary⁽⁴¹⁾.    

Risks and Side Effects of Using CBD for Allergies

Studies have shown that cannabidiol (CBD) is generally safe to consume⁽⁴²⁾. However, further research is vital to determine its effects on the entire body over long-term consumption. 

Some common side effects of CBD include⁽⁴³⁾:

• Lethargy or drowsiness
• Irritability or mood changes
• Weight loss or lower appetite
• Diarrhea 

In addition, it may be unsafe to take CBD if you are expecting or are nursing. CBD products have ingredients that may be harmful to the fetus or infant. Pregnant and nursing women are strongly advised to stay on the safe side and avoid use⁽⁴⁴⁾.

 A 2018 small-scale study reported that people are more likely to have a cannabis allergy if they already have allergies to cat dander, dust mites, molds, or plants⁽⁴⁵⁾. However, more studies are needed to establish this possible link. 

Legality of CBD 

 The 2018 Farm Bill legalized the usage of industrial hemp and products derived from hemp plants on a federal level in the U.S⁽⁴⁶⁾. 

The bill stated that Cannabis sativa plants with less than 0.3% THC are considered industrial hemp and federally legal in the United States⁽⁴⁷⁾. 

Any cannabis plant with THC levels exceeding 0.3% federal limit is classified under marijuana plants, which are still illegal in most U.S. states⁽⁴⁸⁾. 

It is recommended that you read individual state laws about CBD, especially when traveling, to avoid legal consequences. Different states may impose different statutes and regulations regarding the use of CBD products. 

For instance, Colorado legalized the consumption of medical cannabis in 2000. Then, the state expanded the law in 2012 to permit the legal adult use of recreational marijuana⁽⁴⁹⁾. 

Colorado consumers can now choose to take either THC-free CBD oil or marijuana-derived oil for a medical condition⁽⁵⁰⁾.